Imagine taking all the burbs of New York (hipster and non-hipster alike), placing them in a giant Boggle container, adding a couple wats/temples and a handful of orange-robe-sporting monks to the mix, shaking it up (a fairly standard step for you Boggle newbies), and what remains is the city of Bangkok. On one block, a ritzy mall sporting the likes of Prada, Chanel, and any other brand Julie reluctantly parted ways with the day she chose a future with me. And the other, miles upon miles of slums and shacks, housing families who make less money in one lifetime than those around the corner do in a single day. Further away, a peaceful neighborhood park, nestled amongst the commotion of everyday life, home to anyone and everyone looking for a break from the chaos by which they are surrounded each and everyday. And finally, down one of those "unimaginable" alleys just around the bend, dozens of Adam's-Apple-boasting "ladyboys" destined to find that desperate tourist in pursuit of "good time."
As I finalize my unsummarizeable summarization (a phrase which spellcheck apparently hates), all I can honestly say is that Bangkok welcomes every traveler to the region of Southeast Asia with open arms, and one hell of a preview of things to come.
Onto the highlights:
- Khao San Road - In a city of endless diversity, it is amazing to know that the majority of backpackers traveling through its midst only experience a single strip of road, no longer than 400 meters in length (yup, I'm going all metric on ya). Khao San Road, more affectionately known as the "largest backpacker ghetto in the world," is literally a highly-condensed/severely-diluted version of the city of in which it resides. Catering to the 20/$20 crowd (i.e. 20-something years of age, $20-something in their pockets), this tiny strip of asphalt's sole purpose is to follow the practice of "if somebody wants it, we will sell it." Heaping plates of $1 Pad Thai. Soy-glazed insects of the deep-fried variety. "Modified" diplomas/degrees to the University of your choice. Graphic t-shirts. More graphic t-shirts. Buckets of liquor that scoff at the notion of mixers. Even more graphic t-shirts. The list is endless, the crowds are relentless, and the people-watching is priceless.
- Street Food - Two words synonymous with the city of Bangkok, the never-ending array of vendors serving up mind-numbingly delicious meals are unavoidable, and for good reason. On every corner, in every alley, a tired/sweaty local, most likely up since before dawn, is cooking up what is soon to be "the best Thai meal I've ever had." With most menus either non-existent, or in the unmemorizeable symbols of the Thai language, it is of no matter, as a smile, a pointing finger and typically a few dollars (up to $3 if you really want to splurge) will soon disappoint any future meal to be had upon your return home.
- Heat Adaptation - Despite living through countless summers of 100 degree Texas heat, nothing can truly prepare one for the unrelenting presence of "holy-hell-why-won't-it-stop" heat which attempts to suffocate your every breath while in Thailand. With humidity-factored temperatures reaching close to 110 degrees F during the summer (I won't force you to attempt a Celcius conversion), and a constant stream of exhaust-pumping motobikes upping the mercury level a few notches more, the unsufferable combination of unbreathable air and backsweat galore leads one to find respite wherever possible. And typically, such reprieve (thanks Shift-F7) is found through the heavenly escape of constant showers (our current record stands at 4 in one day) or the ever-present 7/11's throughout the city, providing a overly-satisfying helping of A/C to the heat-stricken traveler. Nonetheless, adapt we will, and sweat we shall.
Onto the pics:
| Enjoying our welcome to the unrelenting heat of Thailand w/some spicy beef noodle soup (if you look closely, you can see Julie replenishing the liquid in her soup with a nice waterfall of nose sweat). Deeeee-licious! |
| Wat Phra Kaew aka Temple of the Emerald Buddha aka Home of the Selfie Stick |
| Japanese Tourists + Selfie Sticks = Unavoidable Combination |
| These guys are my fave |
| Wat Pho - Home of the Reclining Buddha (apparently sitting just wasn't in the cards that day) |
| 160 feet of "straight chillin" Buddha |
| More Buddha's with posture that would make your mother proud |
| Angry sculpture man with what I can only describe as an Asian hipster beard |
| Taking a break from temples to enjoy some tasty Pad Thai for the wallet-busting rate of $1 |
| Khao San Road - The perfect place if you are looking to sample a selection of fried insects while dressed in your favorite Chang Beer t-shirt after having received a massage from a local lady with a questionable protrusion near |
| If I had to guess, McLovin IDs are just slightly more popular than University of Phoenix degrees |
| The head tilt took quite a lot of practice to perfect |
| 7/11 - The ultimate "A/C pit stop" |
| Authentic Pad Thai + Orange-Dyed Sugar Juice = Perfect Combo |
| Venturing over to the fancier (i.e. mall-infested) side of town |
| Nothing like a state-of-the-art shopping complex to remind those living in poverty below of the joys of capitalism |
| A very common and sad sight around town |
| I would rate those clouds of the "omninous/umbrella-requiring" nature |
| If this artists goal was to create the creepiest sculpture possible, he won this contest by a landslide |
| "I'll take the 40, no wait, make that the 50 baht shade of blue Beiber cut please" |
Sounds like you're having a lot of memorable experiences already! What will the next six weeks bring?!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great trip so far! Can't wait to read more! :)
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